Opinion | The Roman Empire Loved by Elon Musk and Steve Bannon Never Existed
Briefly

The article discusses the modern conservative right's fixation on ancient Rome, particularly its decline. Leaders like Steve Bannon and Elon Musk draw parallels between Rome's fall and America's current situation, warning of a 'late republican period.' They believe the lessons of Rome's history—involving moral decay and low birthrates—offer crucial insights into the United States' future. This obsession reflects a broader trend of linking today's political climate to historical precedents, as conservatives warn that without understanding and addressing these issues, America risks repeating Rome's mistakes.
Musk argues that Rome fell because the Romans stopped making Romans, suggesting a collapse in population is a significant crisis for modern civilizations.
The right wing's fascination with ancient Rome reflects a belief in facing today's challenges by learning from history, particularly the decline of great civilizations.
Leaders from the MAGA intellectual wing discuss Rome's fall as a cautionary tale, indicating America may be in a late-republican period akin to Rome's decline.
Culprits blamed for Rome's decline—declining morals and birthrates—are seen by today's conservatives as parallel issues threatening the stability of modern America.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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